HOTEL-BRANDED RESIDENTIAL TOWERS
Standalone residential towers managed by hotels give buyers the white-glove services of a high-end hotel, but offer an exceptional level of privacy and security. Pablo Alfaro, a senior vice president for Douglas Elliman Real Estate, says: “You get the comfort of being part of an established hotel brand and all the amenities of a hotel but at a more exclusive level, which attracts people who are willing to spend serious money for their perfect home.”
by Shivani Vora

Mandarin Oriental Residences, Barcelona

Spain

Mandarin Oriental is set to debut its first international residence this year, in addition to two standalones debuting in the United States, according to Adelina Wong Ettelson, the company’s global head of residences marketing. New York and Beverly Hills are getting excitement for the restaurants from celebrity chef Daniel Boulud, while Barcelona wins for its prime location in the heart of Passeig de Gracia—near top fashion houses and exceptional architectural sites such as Gaudi’s Casa Batlló and Casa Milà. Situated in a 20-story building, the residences comprise 34 homes, including four penthouses, and have a contemporary aesthetic courtesy of the renowned Spanish architect Carlos Ferrater and interior design house Muza Lab. Residents will enjoy a full floor of amenities with a gym, spa, entertaining spaces, and rooms for business meetings as well as a rooftop landscaped garden and swimming pool. They can also take advantage of the Mandarin Oriental hotel, located a few blocks away and featuring a full-service spa and the two-Michelin-starred Moments restaurant. The Grand Penthouse is the trophy property and spans more than 6,800 square feet. Highlights include floor-to-ceiling windows with city views; a wraparound, sea-facing terrace; and double-height ceilings. From $2.3 million; moresidencesbarcelona.com

Aman Tokyo Residences

Japan

Although Aman is growing its residential portfolio with locations in Los Cabos and New York, among others, Tokyo marks the brand’s first real estate–only development. The location overlooking Tokyo Tower within the 30-years-in-the-making Toranomon-Azabudai development is particularly significant. Regarded as Tokyo’s new green oasis, the nearly 20-acre site is being designed by Heatherwick Studio and Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects and will feature an art museum, gallery, green spaces, restaurants, and shopping. The 91 homes are in the tallest residential property in central Tokyo and feature interiors from the celebrated design firm Yabu Pushelberg. Offerings on the top 11 floors (54 to 64) of the tower range from two to six bedrooms. They have a dedicated elevator lobby and amenities such as a tearoom, library, reading room, lounge, bar, and dining room that will serve cuisine from notable private chefs. In classic Aman style, the spa will be a standout: spanning 15,000 square feet, it will have an 82-foot swimming pool and panoramic views of the city. aman.com

Four Seasons Private Residences Lake Austin

Austin, Texas

Four Seasons has several standalone residential properties including in Los Angeles, London, and Dubai, which sold out even before being announced. Austin, debuting in 2025, is the latest entrant to the lineup. Located a 20-minute drive from downtown, the 179 residences are situated on a secluded hill near the Pennybacker Bridge and surrounded by 2,000 acres of green space. Enjoy views of Lake Austin, the bridge, and the downtown skyline from nearly every vantage point in the development, where homes feature a modern design using natural materials and neutral colors to create an open, clean, and breezy look. Amenities are impressive: a 3,500-square-foot clubhouse, as well as a 576-foot private marina and boating club. An air-conditioned funicular takes residents from the hilltop to the lake, there’s a covered garden with an 82-foot pool, and a world-class athletic center with two golf simulators, two squash courts, a full-size indoor basketball court, indoor and outdoor tennis courts, four indoor pickleball courts, and a children’s gym and play area. Residents can access the spa with hot and cold plunge pools; a theater with reclining seats; an infinity-edge swimming pool with private cabanas; a two-story fine dining restaurant; and nature trails along the lake. From $4 million; lakeaustinresidences.com

Cipriani Residences Miami

Miami

Set in an architecturally significant, 80-story high-rise with a sleek glass façade in Miami’s Financial District, Cipriani’s project is comprised of 397 one- to four-bedroom residences with views of Biscayne Bay and the Brickell neighborhood. Acclaimed architecture firm Arquitectonica is overseeing the design that includes floor-to-ceiling windows, curved lines, high ceilings, and terrace access. Owners have bragging rights for five-star amenities, including the resort deck with two swimming pools, an outdoor spa and cabanas, a second spa with treatment rooms, a four-level wellness center and lounge, a screening room, a library, and complimentary 24-hour valet parking. They can also reserve dog walking, pet grooming, plant care, and a house car for nearby trips. And it’s no surprise that Cipriani will be behind anything culinary-related, such as the poolside food and meals in the dining rooms. The perk of ordering the famed eatery’s legendary dishes on-demand is a tempting proposition. From $1.4 million; ciprianiresidencesmiami.com